Palmer was reportedly unhappy in London.
Chelsea Boss Liam Rosenior has insisted Cole Palmer is happy at the club and made clear he considers the England international “untouchable” amid recent links with a move to Manchester United.
Palmer has had a difficult 2025-26 season for the Blues, with his campaign hampered by injury problems.
The former Manchester City striker has five goals in 13 appearances in all competitions this season and is yet to register an assist. Last season, he scored 15 goals and contributed 11 assists, then played a leading role in Chelsea’s victorious Club World Cup campaign.
Manchester-born Palmer has been a United fan since childhood and links with a move to Old Trafford came following reports he was homesick in London.
Rosenior, however, categorically rejected these speculations.
Asked if he considered Palmer untouchable and if the 23-year-old was happy at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior told a press conference: “Yes and yes. Cole is an incredible player, as I have the guy sitting next to me. [Moises Caicedo] and many players in the group.
“I’m not surprised by the timing, a new manager comes in and a player is unstable. It’s not true. Cole is here, he’s very happy and I can’t wait to see him on the pitch again.”
Rosenior was pressed on whether he had held discussions about Palmer’s future with Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Napoli, Rosenior added: “There’s no reason to have insurance. It’s so unrealistic. [that he would join United]. It came out of nowhere.
“There’s no need to have this conversation. Cole is happy. You can’t stop the speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth that there’s no point in discussing it.”
Chelsea visit Stadio San Paolo eighth in the championship stage standings. They are one of eight teams on 13 points and will almost certainly need a positive result to seal a top eight spot and automatic progression to the last 16.